Google

Google has entered the home automation arena with their answer to the Amazon Echo and Apple HomeKit. They’re calling their home automation initiative “Google Home,” and their voice assistant is perhaps the most complex AI seen at the consumer level, handling natural conversations with ease. Where they may have previously fallen short from other top smart home manufacturers, such as Amazon with their Alexa personal assistant, they are quickly gaining steam for their home automation engines, and have produced a worthy opponent to the other personal assistants of today. A great strength of the Google's whole home controller is its connection to the largest search engine in existence. With this smart personal assistant, you can tap into the vast amount of information available on Google’s servers so that no matter what you ask the AI, you’re bound to get an acceptable - and helpful - answer. What does it work with, you ask? Nest, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings, Philips Hue, Nest, IFTTT, Philips Hue, Wemo, Chromecast, Honeywell, tp-link, logitech, August, Vivent Smart Home, Onelink, rachio, LIFX, Insignia, Frigidaire and Wink. That’s it for now. This little guy still has a way to go if it wants to compete with Alexa, but shows some excellent potential. Google is also producing several Wi-Fi routers, such as Google Wi-Fi and Google OnHub, that provide fast, uninterrupted internet connection. These routers bring Wi-Fi to every corner of your home, but must be constantly connected to Google in order to function. With easy setup using the Google App, Google Wi-Fi is a serious competitor in the world of the Wi-Fi router. Dave Duncan has reviewed the Google Home and even gave it our Too Cool Award, which we give to products that are functional and work well. Check out his review, which goes in depth about key features such as setup, the app, and smart home compatibility, as well as answering the all-too-important questions like how owning this smart product will affect your privacy. What exactly does the personal assistant record? Find out in Dave's review! Keep a lookout for future reviews on Google products, as we are constantly getting more products in for review. Save